Metropolises and Mountain Kingdoms – Small Group Tour

Discover China's true diversity on this classic tour with a twist. Explore the nation's two biggest cities, but take a step into a different China as you experience the rich ethnic minority cultures of Yunnan.

What we love

Riding the world's fast elevator to the world's highest observation deck in Shanghai Tower, looking over a city that was merely a fishing village 200 years ago

Sharing tea and stories with families in one of Beijing's traditional hutong homes

Basic Itinerary

About This Trip

This unique twist on a classic journey through the Middle Kingdom takes you from the well-known megacities of the east to rustic mountain villages in the southwest. Tackle the Great Wall, wander through the Forbidden City, and delve into Shanghai's history with an expert. In between, meditate on Weibao Mountain, walk through a traditional Bai village on the shores of Erhai Lake, and learn to make Shaxi cheese with a family in Dali.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day1

Arrive in Beijing

Hop off the plane in Beijing and meet your local WildChina guide in the airport arrivals hall

Day2

Beijing

Step inside the Forbidden City, a massive imperial palace that sits in the geographic center of Beijing and was once home to China's emperors • Afterwards, take a short hike up Jingshan Park, made from dirt excavated from the Forbidden City's moat, for stunning panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing • Embark on a walking tour of Beijing's historic hutong neighborhoods stopping by the homes of some of the city's more traditional residents to discuss life in the city, as it was and as it stands, over a good cup of tea

Day3

Beijing

Conquer a more remote section of the Great Wall of China – three hours from Beijing and free from the crowds of its closer, neighboring sections, the more remote Jinshanling section is a 10.5km stretch of both restored and wild Wall, steeped in centuries of history • Afterwards, celebrate becoming a 'true man' (as Chairman Mao said of those who conquered the Great Wall) with a picnic and champagne atop one of humanity's greatest feats • Head back into Beijing to spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure

Day4

Beijing to Dali

Next stop, Yunnan Province, home to some of the most diverse cultures, ecology, and terrain in China • Fly to Dali, once an important trade outpost connecting Tibet and Southeast Asia • After we arrive and check into our hotel, take some time to drink in Dali's irresistibly laid-back vibe as you wander the lesser-known lanes of the city's old town

Day5

Dali

This morning, we'll hit the road and take on Weibaoshan, a sacred mountain dotted with ancient temples • Sip green tea and meet a Taoist master before partaking in a round of tai chi • After ascending Weibao Mountain, set off for Donglianhua Village and mingle with locals en route to Yunnan's largest mosque, who are always eager to stop and get to know their rare international guests

Day6

Dali to Shaxi

Spend the morning exploring the markets and buildings of Xizhou Village, learning what makes Bai architecture unique • Head to Zhoucheng Village to use indigo-based dyes to transform white cotton fabric into a dazzling variety of patterns and scenes • Settle in for the Bai Three-Course Tea Ceremony, an important ritual performed at weddings and festivals and governed by strict rules of etiquette • Drive an hour and a half to Shaxi Village • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel to relax and enjoy the evening as you please

Day7

Shaxi

Embark on a morning hike through the each of the five 1,300-year-old Shibaoshan Grottoes which showcase the dissemination of Mahayana Buddhism along the Tea Horse Road from Tibet to Yunnan • Afterwards, head to Stone Dragon Village where 'Those who can walk, dance; and those who can talk, sing' • Meet the region's Folk Music King and watch a captivating musical performance full of longing and lust, wantonness and excitement

Day8

Shaxi to Lijiang

Step into the home of Mrs. Shi Fumei, a local cheesemaker, to learn how the region boasts its own unique cheese culture, and how to cook your own over a wood-fired stove • Stuffed full of homemade cheese, drive from Shaxi Village to Lijiang

Day9

Lijiang

Weave through Zhongyi Market, the largest market in Lijiang where village residents come into town and start trading as the sun rises • Hike through the sweeping Yunnan countryside to Puli Temple and meet a resident monk to discuss Buddhism, monastic life, or the dramatic landscape that he calls home • End the afternoon with a serene walk through Wenhai Valley, framed by mountains with flowers in bloom, looking out for yak and miniature horses, with Lijiang far in the distance • Return to Lijiang and rest for the evening

Day10

Lijiang to Shanghai

Take off to Shanghai, China's economic and cultural center that was once a mere backwater fishing village • Once you've arrived, spend the remainder of the evening as you please – whether that's exploring Shanghai's cosmopolitan shops and restaurants, or just simply taking the elevator to your hotel's jaw-dropping rooftop bar (or both)

Day11

Shanghai

Start your day at the Bund, where a WildChina expert will bring to life the stories behind the stone • Stroll through the elegant, tree-lined streets of the French Concession, whose boulevards were once the domain of China's rich and powerful, from revolutionaries to movie stars • Dive into the labyrinthine alleyways of Tianzifang, a quirky and cultural network of boutique shops and galleries • Ascend the superlative-laden Shanghai Tower as you ride the world's fastest elevator, to the world's highest observation deck in China's tallest building, overlooking one of the planet's largest cities

Day12

Depart From Shanghai

Just when you thought the fun was over, Shanghai delivers eight more minutes of hi-tech exhilaration to send you off in style – enter the Maglev, a futuristic train which levitates above the track as it hurtles the 19 miles toward the airport at one third the speed of sound • Your WildChina guide will help you check in for your flight home

What To Expect

Trip Difficulty: Easy Adventure

This journey is considered an easy adventure. Easy adventure includes half to full days outside the hotel with possible visits to sites no more than 2 hours away. We drive on paved city roads and stay in 5-star or boutique hotels and may spend up to 2 hours walking per day.

Your Guides

Your guide will arrange the logistics of your trip, including meals, hotel reservations, sites, and activities, as well as providing you with information about the local region. Your WildChina guide is specific to each local region and will be confirmed during booking.

Meals and Water

Meals are included, as listed in your itinerary. We strive to arrange meals that highlight authentic local cuisine in clean, local establishments.

It is safe to drink bottled mineral water, but tap water, even in 5-star hotels, is not safe for drinking. We will provide bottled water, tea, and snacks throughout your journey.

We request guests with severe allergies to consult their physicians prior to traveling and to bring all necessary medicines with them. Inform us ahead of time of specific allergies, such as peanuts or shellfish, or sensitivities to MSG, so that we can do our best to ensure these items are not used in your meals.

Dates & Pricing

Dates

This trip runs 3 times throughout 2020:

Monday 12 - Friday 23, October

Monday 9 - Friday 20, November

Monday 7 - Friday 18, December

WildChina Land Costs

Twin Share: From USD $5,952 per person

Single Traveler: From USD $7,592 per person

Domestic Air and Train Travel

The land costs above do not include domestic flights and trains.

Economy Domestic Air and First Class Train: From USD $881 per person

What's Included

All accommodations based on double-occupancy including breakfasts, as indicated in the itinerary

All meals, as indicated in the itinerary, and drinking water

All admission fees and activity expenses, as indicated in the itinerary

What's not Included

Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders

Travel and medical insurance

Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol

Expenses of a personal nature

Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary

Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers

Arrival & Departure

Arrival

This journey starts in Beijing. Beijing has two international airports, Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). We can pick you up at either airport.

Beijing Capital Airport is about twice as close to the city center (29 km / 15 miles) than Beijing Daxing Airport (46km / 29 miles).

Both airports have daily flights from major international airports around the world.

Departure

This journey ends in Shanghai. Shanghai has two major international airports, Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG). We can take you to your departure flight at either airport.

Pudong mainly serves international flights, while Hongqiao mainly serves domestic and regional flights in East Asia.

Hongqiao is closer to the city center (13km / 8 miles) than Pudong (30 km / 19 miles). However, Pudong is connected to the Maglev, currently the fastest commercial train in the world, which can reach the airport from downtown Shanghai in under nine minutes.

Next Steps

How do I secure my spot on this tour?

You can secure your booking by paying a deposit of USD $500 per person. To start the booking process, click on the 'Let's Plan Your Trip' button below and get in touch with one of our travel designers.

What is the payment schedule?

1. Deposit: A deposit of $500 USD per person is required to secure your reservation. Once your deposit has been received, we will send your confirmation along with a detailed itinerary, materials for your visa application, packing list, and general information to prepare you for your trip to China.

2. Full payment: Full trip payment should be made 60 days prior to departure. Once full payment has been made, your trip tour guides will be confirmed and you will receive your guide information. We will check your visa and make sure you're all ready for the trip.

Will I need a visa?

Nearly every visitor to China will need a tourist 'L' visa before arriving. We cannot obtain your visa, but we will send instructions to get you started, recommend agencies, and help answer any questions along the way. We will also provide you with an official invitation letter for your visa application after your booking is confirmed. We recommend getting your visa at least two (2) months before trip departure to avoid logistical problems.

What is your cancellation policy?

All WildChina trips are refundable, less deposit, if formal written cancellation is lodged at least 60 days prior to departure. See our full cancellation policy for more information.

Is this trip guaranteed to run?

This trip is guaranteed to run once we receive bookings from eight (8) passengers. Should the trip be cancelled due to lack of sign-ups, WildChina will fully refund any deposits or fees paid.

Tour Reviews

What a wonderful experience this was.

For a keen food lover the stress of going abroad is always that one never knows what restaurant to go to, despite endless Googling, and when one picks a place one doesn't know what the best dishes to order are. On this tour I was able to relax in the certain knowledge that Fuchsia had chosen the best restaurant in town and would order their finest dishes. And she never let the group down. Every meal was spectacularly good, and overall provided a brilliant primer in the varied and endlessly delightful world of Chinese cooking, from street food to fine dining.

And as well as plate after plate of great food every day, I also got to see The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, The Terracotta Warriors, Pandas galore and Hanghzhou's West Lake. Wonderful. Thoroughly recommended.

We traveled in May on a culinary tour with WildChina led by cookbook author, Fuchsia Dunlop. This trip of a lifetime opened our minds to a completely different and amazing culture. We learned so much and loved every minute of this great trip with our wonderful group of eleven strangers who parted as friends.

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